Camera with dock having automated alignment

ABSTRACT

A camera integrates a magnet at one end of a housing to magnetically attract and attach the camera to a front side of a peripheral display, such as to support a video conference through an information handling system interfaced with the display. Camera position at a display dock is biased to an upright orientation by opposing polarity magnets included in the camera and the dock. The opposing polarity magnets further align a wireless charger of the dock with a wireless charger receiver of the camera to provide wireless charging of the camera from the dock.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Pat. Application No.17/550,748, filed Dec. 14, 2021, entitled “Camera with Magnet Attachmentto Display Panel” naming inventors Jace W. Files, Andrew P. Tosh, andJohn Trevor Morrison, which application is incorporated herein byreference.

This application is related to the application entitled “DisplayBackplate to Facilitate Camera Magnet Attachment to a Display Panel,”naming Jace W. Files and John Trevor Morrison as inventors, filed thesame day as the present application, application serial number ______,attorney docket number DC-127427.01, which application is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application is related to the application entitled “Camera withMagnet Attachment to Display Panel and Lightguide Housing,” naming JaceW. Files, Andrew P. Tosh, and John Trevor Morrison as inventors, filedthe same day as the present application, application serial number______, attorney docket number DC-127429.01, which application isincorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the application entitled “CameraAutomated Orientation with Magnetic Attachment to Display Panel,” namingJace W. Files, Andrew P. Tosh, and John Trevor Morrison as inventors,filed the same day as the present application, application serial number______, attorney docket number DC-127430.01, which application isincorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the application entitled “ReversibleChargeable Camera and Dock with Rear Wall Privacy,” naming Jace W.Files, John Trevor Morrison, and Brandon J. Brocklesby as inventors,filed the same day as the present application, application serial number______, attorney docket number DC-127442.01, which application isincorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the application entitled “Camera FrontTouch Sensor to Control Video Stream,” naming Jace W. Files, Andrew P.Tosh, and John Trevor Morrison as inventors, filed the same day as thepresent application, application serial number ______, attorney docketnumber DC-127464.01, which application is incorporated herein byreference.

This application is related to the application entitled “Camera withMicrophone Mute Responsive to Movement,” naming Jace W. Files, JohnTrevor Morrison, and Andrew T. Sultenfuss as inventors, filed the sameday as the present application, application serial number ______,attorney docket number DC-127465.01, which application is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application is related to the application entitled “Camera withVideo Stream Disablement Responsive to Movement,” naming Jace W. Files,John Trevor Morrison, and Andrew T. Sultenfuss as inventors, filed thesame day as the present application, application serial number ______,attorney docket number DC-127466.01, which application is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of informationhandling system cameras, and more particularly to an informationhandling system camera with dock having automated alignment.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Information handling systems often serve as communication devices, suchas by supporting videoconferences with an integrated or peripheralcamera. For example, portable information handling systems typicallyintegrate a camera in an integrated display bezel of the portablehousing that captures visual images in a field of view associated withan end user viewing the integrated display. Integrated cameras offer aconvenient tool when an end user is mobile, however integrated camerastend to have a limited utility due to the thin size of the portableinformation handling system housing that limits the size of the cameralens. Further, displays integrated in portable housings generally have alimited presentation area that restricts the amount of informationdisplayed during a video conference. For example, a video conference canbe a complex interaction with a large number of participants eachpresented in their own window and participating in an activeconversation. In addition, video conferences also often reference shareddocuments that are presented alongside conference participants.

When possible end users tend to prefer interacting with videoconferences through peripheral displays that interface with informationhandling systems and offer a larger viewing area. A large peripheraldisplay provides an end user with ready access to an entirety of a videoconference, such as by showing multiple windows with each window havinga conference participant and showing presentations discussed by theparticipants. Although an end user may rely upon an integrated camera ofa portable information handling system to present an image of the enduser in the videoconference, often end users prefer to use a peripheralcamera associated with a peripheral display that provides better imagequality. Some peripheral displays integrate a camera, however, moreoften a peripheral camera will be used with a peripheral display sincethe peripheral camera offers room for higher quality camera lens.Typically, a peripheral camera is placed on a bracket coupled to thedisplay and directed towards an area in front of the display where anend user will view the display. Often the brackets can couple atdifferent positions of the display perimeter and can swivel to adjustthe camera field of view. In some cases, the cameras can also couple toa stand that rests in front of a display that an end user can move todifferent locations on a desktop. As video conferences have grown morecommon and involved more important subject matter, some end users havebegun to use high end DLSR and similar cameras, such as to supportexecutive meetings.

One difficulty with the use of peripheral cameras is that they aredifficult to place with larger peripheral displays. Coupling a camera toa display perimeter results in an end user viewing a display area awayfrom the camera field of view axis so that other video conferenceparticipants receive a visual image of the end user looking away fromthe camera even though the end user is viewing the video conference.Thus, although a large display viewing area makes a videoconferenceeasier to view, the larger display perimeter increases the angle atwhich a camera views an end user relative to the end user gaze at avideo conference. The result is an unnatural image of the end userpresented to the remainder of the videoconference as the end user gazesdirectly at other participants but has an image captured of the end userlooking away from the camera. One solution is to place the camera on astand in front of the display, however this tends to block the enduser’s viewing and interfere with desktop surface usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which places acamera at a video conference window to capture images of an end userboth looking at the camera and the video conference window.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for placing a camera at aninformation handling system display to support capture of visual imagesfor a videoconference. A camera has a lens disposed at a housing firstend and a magnet disposed at an opposing end, the magnet providingmagnetic attraction to hold the camera against a display panel surfaceso that the camera captures visual images with a field of vieworiginating a display panel front surface. Automated presentation of anactive speaker videoconference window near the camera provides animproved videoconference interaction as the end user has an imagecaptured with the end user looking at the camera while viewing theactive speaker at the display.

More specifically, an information handling system processes informationwith processing components disposed in a housing, such as processor andmemory that cooperate with a graphics processor to present informationas visual images at a display. An application executing on the processorpresents visual information for a videoconferencing application in oneor more windows and sends visual images captured by a camera to othervideoconferencing participants. The camera is built into a cylindricalhousing having the camera lens exposed at one end and having a magnetdisposed at an opposing end. The magnet attracts to ferromagneticmaterial of a backplate disposed behind the display panel so that thecamera couples to the face of the display panel with the lens facing anend user of the display. The camera position is detected and reported tothe information handling system so that videoconference presentations ofvisual images are coordinated with the camera position. For instance, asan active speaker changes at the videoconference the active speakerwindow is snapped to the position of the camera to have the end userappear to be looking into the camera at all times while also viewing anactive speaker at all times.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that acamera magnetically couples to a display panel front face at a locationviewed by the end user so that the end user can simultaneously looktowards the camera while watching content of interest, such as an activespeaker of a video conference. The camera has a minimal size and blendsinto the display presentation, such as by including translucent lightguide material in the housing that passes illumination of the displaytowards the camera front. A touch surface on the camera allows an enduser to command a camera or microphone pause, a power off, or otherfunctions. In one embodiment, camera magnetic attraction at a displaypanel is enhanced by adding structure to the backplate withferromagnetic material proximate to the display panel. Disruption tocaptured visual and audio information during movement of the camera isminimized by pausing video and audio capture when movement of the camerais detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts an information handling system peripheral cameramagnetically attached to a display panel front face;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective and side sectional views of thecamera magnetic attraction structure to couple the camera to a displaypanel front surface;

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a peripheral display with thedisplay panel removed to illustrate the camera interacting with aferromagnetic backplate to maintain a position on the display panel;

FIG. 4 depicts a side sectional view of an example of a displaybackplate and backplate support ridges that enhance magnetic attractionof a camera to a display panel;

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a system for display presentationawareness of a camera location on a display panel;

FIG. 6 depicts an example presentation of a videoconference at a displaywith a camera magnetically attracted to the display front surface;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict alternative embodiments for presentation ofvideoconference content based upon camera position;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict an example embodiment of the camera havingautomated orientation indications at the camera front touch surfaceprovided by an orientation LED;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E depict examples of camera dock support forholding a camera at a display, indicating a charge state of a camera,providing privacy for the camera and passing display illuminationthrough the camera;

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of an example camera implementationhaving an audio mute during camera movement;

FIG. 11 depicts an example of a display presentation of a camera thatdarkens images associated with a camera presentation at movement of thecamaera;

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an example camera implementationhaving a video stream feed disabled during camera movement;

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an upper perspective exploded view of a cameradock aligned to couple to a display upper side at a Type-C USBconnector;

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C depict a system that aligns a camera in a cameradock to coordinate wireless charging of the camera;

FIG. 15 depicts a flow diagram of a process for enabling user presencedetection based upon camera context;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E depict examples of camera userexperiences for different camera operational modes and contexts;

FIG. 17 depicts an example system and method for managing camerasecurity with viewing and privacy docking configurations;

FIG. 18 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing camera audioand video streams by a user tap at the camera housing;

FIG. 19 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing audio and videopauses during movement of a camera;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D depict examples of display backplates havingadjacent crossbeams sized to provide uniform magnetic attraction to acamera of a defined dimension; and

FIG. 21 depicts an example system and method for managing camera moduleorientation when magnetically attracted to a display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system camera magnetically attaches to a displaypanel front face. For purposes of this disclosure, an informationhandling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate ofinstrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect,record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and mayvary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Theinformation handling system may include random access memory (RAM), oneor more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) orhardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types ofnonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handlingsystem may include one or more disk drives, one or more network portsfor communicating with external devices as well as various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display.The information handling system may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an information handling system 10 peripheralcamera 40 magnetically attaches to a display panel front face. In theexample embodiment, information handling system 10 has a stationary ordesktop configuration that presents information as visual images at aperipheral display 26. Information handling system 10 processesinformation with processing components that cooperate to executeinstructions. A central processing unit (CPU) 12 executes instructionsto process the information with the instructions and information storedin random access memory (RAM) 14. For example, operating systeminstructions stored in non-transitory memory of a solid state drive(SSD) 16 are retrieved to RAM 14 at power up and executed to coordinateexecution of applications, such as a video conference application. Agraphics processing unit (GPU) 18 interfaces with CPU 12 to furtherprocess information into pixel values that define visual imagespresented at peripheral display 26. For instance, pixel values arecommunicated from GPU 18 through a USB hub 24 and USB Type-C port 28through a display cable 30 to peripheral display 26 for presentation asvisual images. Alternatively, GPU 18 can communicate pixel valuesthrough a wireless interface provide by network interface controller(NIC) 20, such as a WiFi, Bluetooth or 60 GHz interface. An embeddedcontroller (EC) 22 manages the processing component operations on aphysical level, such as the application of power, maintaining thermalconstraints and supporting interactions with peripheral devices like akeyboard and a mouse.

Peripheral display 26 manages presentation of visual images with atiming controller 32 that scans pixel values across pixel rows andcolumns of a display panel 38 and a scalar 34 that scales visualinformation to the resolution used by display panel 38. Processingresources available on timing controller 32 and/or scalar 34 executelogic that manages presentation of visual images, such as controllingbrightness, contrast and other settings. A touch controller 36interfaces with a capacitive touch sensor disposed in display panel 38to detect touches made at the display panel. For example, touchcontroller 36 communicates touch inputs to embedded controller 22, whichfurther communicates the touches as inputs to CPU 12 for use as inputsto the operating system or applications running over the operatingsystem.

In the example embodiment, peripheral display 26 presents visual imagesassociated with a videoconferencing application executed on informationhandling system 10 and supported by a peripheral camera 40 magneticallyattached at the front face of display panel 38. Camera 40 capturesvisual images that are communicated to information handling system 10through a wireless interface, such as WiFi, for presentation in a cameraimage window 44. For example, a video conference window 46 presents avideo conference participant at peripheral display 26 co-located with aposition of camera 40 at the display panel front face so that an enduser looks at the camera when addressing the video conferenceparticipant. Camera image window 44 presents the visual image capturedby camera 40 for reference by the end user off axis from the location ofcamera 40. This allows an end user to visually scan his own appearancewhile maintaining eye contact primarily into camera 40 when looking atand talking to video conference window 46. A camera manager 48 executingon CPU 12, such as part of the operating system or videoconferenceapplication, manages placement of windows at peripheral display 26 topromote end user eye contact with the camera, as is described in greaterdepth below. A camera dock 42 couples to the upper side surface ofperipheral display 26 to accept camera 40 when an end user does notdesire to have the camera coupled to the display panel front side.Camera dock 42 provide a charge to camera 40, such as with a wirelesscharger, and includes an infrared curtain sensor 43 that illuminates thefront face of display panel 38 with infrared light and sensesreflections to determine a location of camera 40 at a front face ofdisplay panel 38. As is described in greater depth below, the locationof camera 40 detected by I/R curtain sensor 43 and/or touch controller36 allows selection of a presentation location of videoconference window46 so that an end user viewing a videoconference maintains eye contactwith camera 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, perspective and side sectional viewsof camera 40 depict a magnetic attraction structure to couple camera 40to a display panel front surface. FIG. 2A depicts an upper perspectiveview of camera 40 having the top portion of camera housing 50 removed toillustrate internal components. A camera module 52 includes a lightsensor 68 and processing resources disposed on three separate printedcircuit boards that cooperate to capture visual images through a lens 54exposed at a front touch surface 56 of housing 50. An orientation LEDprovides illumination as an indication of camera orientation whencoupled to a display front face. Batteries 60 fit in camera housing 50to provide power for operation of camera module 52. A magnet 62 isdisposed at a rear side of camera housing 50 opposite front touchsurface 56 and between batteries 60 and a rear cushion surface 64. Inthe example embodiment, camera housing 50 has a cylindrical shape withweight distributed towards the rear side so that magnet 62 provides asecure attraction against the display panel. Rear cushion surface 64 is,for example a thin, soft rubber material that minimizes risk ofscratches to the display panel and has sufficient friction to maintaincamera 40 at a location on the display panel against gravitational forcethat works to slide camera 40 to the bottom of the display. Front touchsurface 56 includes a capacitive sensor that detects end user touches asinputs, such as to turn off and on visual image capture, mute the cameramicrophone and power the camera on and off.

FIG. 2B depicts a cutaway view of camera 40 illustrating theconfiguration of camera module 52 within camera housing 50 and thespatial relationship of magnet 62 to rear cushion surface 64. Magnet 62is placed at the end of camera housing 50 to reduce the distance betweenmagnet 62 and ferromagnetic material of the peripheral display foroptimal magnetic attraction. Similarly, rear cushion surface 64 has aminimal thickness and compresses somewhat at contact with the displaypanel to optimize magnetic attraction. In an embodiment in which camera40 couples to a curved display, the rear surface and magnet may havecurved exterior surface that conforms to the display shape. The examplehas two cylindrical batteries 60 that fit into the interior of camerahousing 50 to help maintain housing structural integrity. Camera module52 has a charger board 76 that couples a charger 78 for managing batterycharge and discharge. Charger board 76 interfaces with a wirelesscharger 66 disposed at a bottom surface of camera housing 50 to acceptwireless charging signals from a wireless charging element disposed inthe camera dock. Camera module 52 includes a controller circuit board 72having a controller 74 with processing resources and non-transitorymemory to execute instructions from managing camera operations. A cameracircuit board 70 supports a light sensor 68 that captures visual imagesfrom lens 54 and provides the visual information to controller board 72for communication to an information handling system, such as through awireless network interface controller coupled to the controller board.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a side perspective view of peripheral display26 with the display panel 38 removed illustrates camera 40 interactingwith a ferromagnetic backplate 51 to maintain a position on the displaypanel. Ferromagnetic backplate 51 shapes and supports display panel 38,such as to hold a backlight in position behind the display panel.Backplate support ridges 49 formed in ferromagnetic backplate 51 help tostiffen the backplate. Magnetic attraction between the magnet withincamera 40 and ferromagnetic backplate 51 holds camera 40 in placeagainst display panel 38. Ferromagnetic backplate 51 is dispersed fairlyevenly behind display panel 38 so that camera 40 may be placed at anydesired position across the front face of display panel 38.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a side sectional view depicts an example of adisplay ferromagnetic backplate 51 and backplate support ridges 49 thatenhance magnetic attraction of camera 40 to a display panel. Camera 40is oriented with camera module 52 and lens 54 directed away from thedisplay panel and magnet 62 directed towards ferromagnetic backplate 51.In the example embodiment, backplate support ridges 49 have a closerproximity to magnet 62 along a top flange 61 than does a bottom flange67. An angular web section 65 between top flange 61 and bottom flange 67defines a pattern having top rib opening 53 and a bottom rib opening 57that are sized to provide a relatively set amount of ferromagneticmaterial surface area in proximity to magnet 62 across the surface ofthe display panel located between the top flange surface 61 and magnet62. The depth 55 is set along with the angular web 65 to provide adesired mechanical strength of ferromagnetic backplate 51 while thelength of top flange 61 and bottom flange 67 have a total length alongwith an upward and downward stretch of angular web 65 to havesubstantially the length of magnet 62 so that magnetic attraction ofmagnet 62 remains substantially consistent across the display panelsurface. In alternative embodiments as the size of magnet 62 changesalternative configurations of top flange and rib opening sizes may beused to maintain a proportional arrangement of ferromagnetic materialand magnet surface area. For example, multiple smaller top flange areasmay be distributed within each magnet surface area in proportion to themagnet area.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a block diagram depicts a system for displaypresentation awareness of a camera location on a display panel. In theexample embodiment, a peripheral display 26 has a display panel 38 thatincludes a touch detection layer 70 disposed under a protective cover 72that contacts camera 40 and detects positions of camera 40 with changesat an electric field 74. As described above, magnet 62 presses rearcushion surface 64 against protective cover 72 in response to aproximity of ferromagnetic material of the display backplate. Touchdetection layer 70 may detect camera 40 in a variety of ways. In oneexample embodiment, a capacitive touch detection surface used to detectend user touch inputs identifies the camera by the shape of the housingat the touch detection surface. For instance, the location is based uponforce sensed at an intersection of transparent electrode layers 76 and78 included in a glass substrate 80. Force sensing, such as with Senseldetection, may be used to differentiate the camera based upon a detectedforce that matches the expected force of magnetic attraction. Otherexample embodiments detect the camera position with an infrared curtaindisposed in the camera dock and aligned parallel with the display panelsurface. Infrared reflections from the camera and sensed by the infraredcurtain provide an angular position to the camera and, with time offlight, a distance to the camera. A similar alternative to the infraredcurtain is an ultrasound or sonar detection system. In the exampleembodiment of FIG. 5 , Hall sensors disposed behind the display coversense the proximity of the magnet to indicate a camera position. Cameraposition touches detected by touch controller 32 are forwarded toembedded controller 22, which analyzes the touches to confirm a camerapresence and reports the camera position to camera manager 48. Oncecamera manager 48 has the camera position, adjustments may be made topresented visual images to optimize the end user experience with camerainteractions.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , an example presentation depicts avideoconference at a display with a camera magnetically attracted to thedisplay front surface. In the example video conference presentation, acamera image window 44 presents the visual image captured by camera 40showing the end user who is participating in the videoconference whileviewing peripheral display 26. An active participant who is speaking atthe videoconference is presented in a video conference window 46 locateddirectly under camera 40 so that the end user looks at the camera whenlooking at the speaker’s visual image. Arrows 84 depict directions inwhich camera 40 may be moved by an end user during the videoconference.A supplemental presentation 86, such as talking points, is presented atthe left half of peripheral display 26. In various embodiments, thecamera manager adjusts the presentation of videoconference windows basedupon conditions of the videoconference, the position of camera 40 andmovement 84 of camera 40. For example, when camera 40 is positionedamong a group of videoconference participants, an active speaker windowmay snap to the location of camera 40 as the speaker changes so that theend user always appears to be looking at the camera and the activespeaker. As another example, if the end user moves camera 40, the cameramanager moves an active speaker window with the camera position so thatthe active speaker window remains collocated with the camera. As anotherexample, when an active speaker references a presentation, thepresentation may collocate with the camera. Other types of camera andpresentation coordination may be used based upon end user preferences.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, alternative embodiments forpresentation of videoconference content based upon camera position aredepicted. FIG. 7A depicts a speaker snap mode of videoconference windowmanipulation in response to changes in active speaker. At one side ofthe display the end user’s camera image 44 is presented in a fixedposition along with other video conference participant windows 46 andwith a presentation 86 shown at a central location of peripheral display26. An active speaker indication 88 in the line of video conferenceparticipants highlights which participant is speaking while that activespeaker is also presented in an active speaker window 90 locatedproximate camera 40. As the active speaker changes, active speakerindicator 88 highlights the active speaker’s videoconference window andthe active speaker’s visual image is snapped to active speaker window 90for presentation to the end user proximate the location of camera 40.The speaker snap mode keeps the end user gaze in a central location andat camera 40 as the videoconference dynamics change which participantsare active. If an end user changes the camera position during thevideoconference, the position of the active speaker window snap mayadjust to the new camera position based upon user settings andpreferences. FIG. 7B depicts an example embodiment having a quick toggleoption selectable by an end user to transition between a multi-userspeaker snap presentation of FIG. 7A to a more focused interactioncentered on a selected end user or presentation. For example, if the enduser wants to focus on a main presenter, a quick toggle selectionpresents a selected video conference window 46 at the camera locationalong with the end user camera image 44 and optionally a presentation86. FIG. 7C depicts another example embodiment with an optional dualstream presentation. For example, camera 40 may attach to a stand bymagnetic attraction to have an end user written presentation 86presented along with a separate captured image provided by a camera 40coupled to the display. Intelligent placement of camera and videoconference windows may be promoted with analysis over time of end usercamera interactions in different videoconference environments.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, *b and 8C, an example embodiment of camera 40is depicted having automated orientation indications at the camera fronttouch surface provide by orientation LED 58. When camera 40 couples to afront surface of a display panel, the orientation is not set by abracket and can therefore vary about a full 360 degrees. Autoframingsoftware in the camera can correct the captured camera image in anautomated way so that an end user captured by the camera is presented inan upright orientation independent of the captured orientation, however,autoframing can reduce image resolution and can introduce latency tostreaming images. To reduce or even eliminate the use of autoframing,orientation LED 58 provides a visual indication at the camera front faceof the orientation of an image captured by the camera. FIG. 8A depictsan example of a white (or green) light provided by orientation LED 58when the captured visual image has an upright orientation, such aswithin two degrees of exactly upright relative to gravitationalorientation 90. FIG. 8B depicts an example of a yellow light provided byorientation LED 58 when the orientation is close to upright, such aswithin 2 to 5 degrees of alignment with gravitational orientation. FIG.8C depicts an example of a red light provided by orientation LED 58 whenthe camera orientation is greater than a defined amount off of alignmentwith gravitational orientation, such as greater than five degrees. Theexample embodiment presents different colors to indicate alignmentorientation relative to gravity, however alternative embodiments may usedifferent types of indications, such as a length of the light, aflashing versus steady light, or extinguishing the light when uprightorientation is achieved so that the light does not distract an end user.In addition, an upright indication may be provided at other than a pureupright orientation. For example, an exactly inverted orientation or anexactly perpendicular orientation may also be given an uprightindication where autoframing from these orientations do not impact imagequality of video steam latency.

In the example embodiment, the orientation indication is driven by anaccelerometer or gyroscope that detects an upright orientation relativeto gravitational force. Alternatively, orientation may be detected byincluding an upright indication at the rear surface of camera 40 that isdetected by the display touchscreen. In one alternative embodiment, agimbal system is included in camera 40 and interfaced with accelerometerand/or gyroscope to rotate the camera module within the camera so thatthe camera module automatically rotates to a vertical orientationregardless of end user placement on the display by magnetic attraction.In such an embodiment, orientation LED 58 may illuminate to indicatewhen the gimbal has achieved the correct orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E, examples are depicted ofcamera dock support for holding a camera at a display, indicating acharge state of a camera, providing privacy for the camera and passingdisplay illumination through the camera. FIG. 9A depicts a frontelevation view of camera 40 placed in camera dock 42 with alignment LED58 indicating an upright alignment. Lens 54 is exposed to capture visualimages while in camera dock 42 and front touch surface 56 is exposed toaccept touch inputs, such as inputs that command camera power on or off,camera image capture off, microphone mute or other desired inputs. Atthe bottom side of camera 40 a red charging indicator LED 92illumination is provided to indicate that the camera is charging. As isdescribed in greater depth below camera orientation in camera dock 42 isautomatically biased to place orientation LED at an upper side with thecamera having a vertical orientation relative to gravity so thatwireless charging is aligned. Charging indicator 92 presented at thefront face of camera 40 is provided by a red LED placed at the rear ofcamera dock 42 that projects illumination through a translucent materialat the outer surface of camera housing 50. FIG. 9B depicts camera dock42 with the camera removed. A cradle 94 has a semicircular shape matchedto the radius of the camera housing so that the camera rests securely incamera dock 42 to receive a wireless charge. A privacy back support 94is raised from cradle 96 and has a circular shape matched to the cameraradius. A charging indicator LED 92 is disposed at the rear side ofcradle 96 at the intersection with privacy back support 94 and alignedto direct illumination into the camera housing so that the translucentcamera material presents the illumination at the camera front face.

FIG. 9C depicts camera 40 rotated 180 degrees as indicated by arrows 98in camera dock 42 to secure the camera against capture of unauthorizedvisual images. Camera 40 rests in camera dock 42 to have rear cushionsurface 64 exposed at the front of camera 40. Camera 40 may still chargein the reversed position, as is described in greater depth below, andcharging indicator LED 92 is visible through housing 50 whenilluminated. When camera 40 reverses in camera dock 42 the camera lenspresses against privacy back support 94 so that image capture isprevented. In addition, a microphone at the camera front face isphysically blocked so that audible sounds are muted. In one embodiment,camera 40 detects a reversed position, such as with a magneticrelationship related to wireless charging or blocking of light at thelens, and commands a power down or disabled state for the camera moduleand microphone. In an alternative embodiment, a microphone may be placedat the rear face of camera 40 so that audio capture may be selected whenvisual image capture is disabled. Reversing camera 40 in camera dock 42provides an end user with a definitive visual indication of a securedcamera and a simple mechanical interaction to rapidly reactive thecamera by reversing the camera orientation. In one alternativeembodiment, the camera settings may allow an end user to select whetherthe microphone is muted or disabled based upon the position of camera 40in camera dock 42. In another alternative embodiment, a camera settingallows an end user to disable camera 40 when camera dock 42 has apredetermined position, such as at the top of display 26, whether or notcamera 40 docks in a front-facing or rear-facing orientation. In such anembodiment, a default setting may have camera 40 remain active when in afront facing position so that the camera supports videoconferencing whendocked. In another alternative embodiment, camera 40 may disabled bydisconnecting from a wireless interface, such as WiFi, so that capturedvisual images cannot be communicated but are still captured.

FIGS. 9D and 9E illustrate an additional usage case for camera 40 with atranslucent housing 50 that presents light entering at the housing rearas visual light at the housing front side. Camera housing 50 acts as alight pipe that allows an underlying display presentation to transfercolors through the outer edge of camera housing 50 for a variety ofvisual effects. For example camera housing 50 is an extruded singlepiece that is seamless and has a light guide translucent plastic topromote light transmission. In one embodiment, light transmission may befurther encouraged with a reflective coating at the interior surface ofcamera housing 50. FIG. D illustrates an example of camera 40 disposedon a display between a break of first and second colors so that thecamera blends into the display presentation with underlying colorpresented at the respective portions of the housing. FIG. 9E illustratesan example of camera disposed on a display having a uniform color of alight presentation so that camera 40 blends into the display as part ofthe display and less disruptive to an end user. Coordination between thedisplay and camera provides additional functionality for camera 40 bypresenting information related to camera operations with the display atthe rear side of camera 40 so that the information is presented at thecamera housing. As an example, display 26 may guide an end user to anupright orientation of camera 40 by presenting an orientation indicationbehind the camera that shows through the light guide of the camerahousing. For instance, a touch screen capacitive sensor may provide acamera location so that the information is presented proximate thecamera. When an end user touches the camera to change the orientation,additional information may be presented at the display to help, such asan arrow to indicate a rotation direction to upright and a userinterface on the display for the amount of rotation. During avideoconference, content posted by the camera is of particular interestto the end user, such as window with an active participant or apresentation, so that alerts provided with illumination at the camerahousing are helpful for getting prompt end user attention. For instance,a low battery or dropped call indication may be provided with a red oryellow light that illuminates from behind the camera and through thecamera housing. In alternative embodiments, other alerts may be providedand a touch at the camera may be used to bring presentation of relatedinformation to the display, such as battery charge state and a list ofvideo conference participants.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a block diagram depicts an example cameraimplementation having an audio mute during camera movement. Anaccelerometer 100 disposed in the camera housing and configured as agyroscope detects movement and rotation of camera 40 as described above.As an end user moves camera 40 at display 26 as indicated by arrows 84,a controller 74 in camera 40 tracks the accelerations and rotations ofcamera 40 to detect movement. Mute logic 102 executing on controller 74and interfaced with microphone 104 of camera 40 commands a mute ofmicrophone 104 during movement of camera 40 to reduce the risk thatunwanted noise related to the camera movement is communicated from thecamera. A mute indicator 106 presented at display 26 provides the enduser of feedback of the mute state when commanded. For example, camera40 communicates the mute state to an embedded controller of aninformation handling system presenting camera visual information tochange mute indicator from green to red during microphone mute. In oneembodiment, camera 40 has a touch detection sensor included in thehousing that can be used to command a mute before movement of the camerabegins. In alternative embodiments, other indications of camera movementmay be provided, such as movement detected by a touchscreen, Hallsensors, doppler, an infrared curtain and user presence detectionsensors. In embodiments where the movement is detected exterior to thecamera, mute logic 102 may execute on a processing resource of aninformation handling system, such as an embedded controller, by eithermanipulating information received from the camera or commanding thecamera to mute. In one alternative embodiment, rather than muting allsounds captured by the camera, mute logic 102 may instead reduce thevolume of captured audio or apply a filter that filters out soundstypically associated with camera movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , a block diagram depicts an examplecamera implementation having a video stream feed disabled during cameramovement. As with the audio mute described with respect to FIG. 10 ,movement of camera 40 may be detected by accelerations, a touch at thecamera housing or external indications like movement detected at adisplay touchscreen. In the example embodiment, camera 40 has a camerahousing 50 with an outer touch detection surface 108 that detects an enduser grasp. A controller 74 inside of camera 40 executes a video mutelogic 110 that pauses a camera video feed when touch detection surface108 indicates an end user grasp associated with a movement of camera 40.In the example embodiment an end user shown in a camera image window 44is shown as a dark image at detection of movement 84 while other videoconference windows 46 continue to present videoconference content. In analternative embodiment, an avatar of the end user may be presentedduring movement, or an image captured by the camera just prior to themovement. In one embodiment, outer touch surface 108 includes a touchdetection surface that the camera front face that, when touched,selectively enables and disables capture of visual images with camera40. For example, a tap at different predefined portions of outer touchsensor 108 may command different operations, such as camera imagecapture enable and disable, audio capture enable and disable, camerapower on and off, video call start and finish and other operations. Inone embodiment, the functions provided by touches at camera outersurface touch sensor 108 may be indicated by different colorilluminations provide through housing 50 translucent material and lightpresented that the display, such as a green color on one side of thehousing where touch turns on video capture and red color on an oppositeside where touch turns of video capture. Other colors and accompanyingdisplay user interface instructions presented proximate the detectedcamera position may command other functions, such as audio mute. Inanother example embodiment, a camera light sensor 68, such as an ambientlight sensor, commands functions when an end user covers the camera todarken the level of light.

Referring now FIGS. 13A and 13B, an upper perspective exploded viewdepicts camera dock 42 aligned to couple to a display 26 upper side at aType-C USB connector port 114. In the example embodiment, camera dock 42has a lower surface configured to conform against an upper surface ofdisplay 26 and having a Type-C USB connector 112 that aligns with andfits into Type-C USB connector port 114 to couple camera dock 42 todisplay 26. FIG. 13B depicts a detailed view of reinforcement material116 disposed around Type-C USB connector port 114 to providereinforcement against forces that might be applied to camera dock 42. Inaddition to providing physical support to camera dock 42, the USBinterface provides power and communication to camera dock 42 to managewireless charging of the camera when in the dock. In one alternativeembodiment, a short range wireless personal area network (WPAN) includedin camera dock 42 may support communications with the camera when thecamera rests in the camera dock, such as 60 GHz wireless interface, sothat a docked camera can interface with an information handling systemwithout WiFi. When camera dock 42 is not installed, the USB port isavailable to support cabled interfaces with other peripherals.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, a system is depicted thataligns a camera in a camera dock to coordinate wireless charging of thecamera. The example embodiment has different arrangements of magnetshaving opposing polarities that cooperate to align camera 40 in anupright position of camera dock 42. The particular arrangement ofmagnets used for a particular camera may depend upon the location ofwireless charging for camera 40 from camera dock 42. In the exampleembodiment of FIG. 2B having wireless charging located in the center ofcamera 40, symmetrical arrangements of magnets of opposing polarity areincluded at opposing ends of camera 40 and camera dock 42 to ensure anupright orientation with alignment of wireless charging. As illustratedby FIG. 14B, when camera 40 rests on camera dock 42, magnet 62 haspolarity so that interactions with magnets 124 work to rotate camera 40in an upright position and to hold the rear side of housing 50 againstthe privacy rear wall of camera dock 42 to compress rear cushion surface64. For example, magnet 62 has a north pole at an upper side of housing50 and a south pole at the lower side of housing 50 to interact with anupper magnet 124 of camera dock 42 having a south pole and a lowermagnet 124 of camera dock 42 having a north pole. When camera 40 isreversed in camera dock 42, magnets 126 at the front face of camera 40having opposite polarities to magnets 124 align the camera to an uprightposition in the privacy orientation so that wireless charging aligns ina central lower location of camera 40 against a central upper locationof camera dock 42. In an alternative embodiment that does not have acentrally located charger, a central set of opposing polarity magnets120 and 122 are aligned in camera 40 and camera dock 42 symmetricallypositioned to provide upright alignment whether camera 40 is place in aforward-facing or privacy position. As is depicted by FIG. 14A, inanother alternative embodiment two magnets 120 are placed in camera dock42 aligned with each of two magnets placed in camera 40 at an offsetangle so that a central area has room to hold wireless chargers inalignment when camera 40 docks in camera dock 42.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a flow diagram depicts a process for enablinguser presence detection based upon camera context. For example, aninfrared camera or user presence detection sensor included in camera 40selectively illuminates a field of view with infrared light to determinein an end user is present and wakes an information handling system whenthe user is present, such as with the WINDOWS HELLO recognition. In somecircumstances, an end user may desire personal security that disablesthe wake functionality, such as to prevent unauthorized or malicioususers from hacking camera access to determine user presence. In theexample embodiment, camera 40 has settings that define when userpresence recognition is enabled based upon camera context, such as onlywhen camera 40 is docked or magnetically attached to a display frontface. In other situations, user presence detection is disabled toprevent unauthorized access and provide the end user with a definitivevisual indication of when user presence is enabled. In an alternativeembodiment, user presence detection may be set so that it only operateswhen the camera is on the display or in the dock. An end user may setthe context for enabling and disabling user presence detection with acamera user interface.

The process starts at step 130 with a determination of camera context,such as whether the camera is docked, coupled to the display, in aprivacy dock position or magnetically coupled to a stand. At step 132 adetermination is made of whether to enable user presence detection basedupon the sensed context, such as by comparing the sensed context againstcamera settings. If user presence detection is set to enable for thedetected context, the process continues to step 136 to enable userpresence detection and returns to step 130 to continue monitoring cameracontext. If at step 132 the context does not match a setting to enableuser presence detection, the process continues to step 134 to disableuser presence detection and returns to step 130. In one alternativeembodiment, user presence detection context may include recency of anend user presence so that context analysis is adjusted based upon how anend user has interacted with an information handling system. Forinstance, if an end user has a camera placed on a stand and aligned tocapture an image at a desktop, a wave in front of the camera mayinitiate user presence detection for a one minute period after a screensaver activates after which user presence detection is disabled. An enduser may select such context based upon preferences.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, examples of camerauser experiences are depicted for different camera operational modes andcontexts. FIG. 16A depicts camera 40 coupled to a peripheral display 26with user presence detection enabled. FIG. 16B depicts camera 40 in aprivacy mode have the lens aligned against the camera dock back support.In the privacy mode user presence detection is disabled both because theuser presence detection lacks a field of view and because the cameraturns off user presence detection. In an alternative embodiment havingother user presence detection devices, such as doppler systems or a timeof flight sensor in a portable information handling system thatinterfaces with display 26, the privacy mode may be detected by theinformation handling system to command privacy at some or all othercamera and user presence detection devices associated with the display,such as devices integrated in a portable information handling systeminterfaced with the display. FIG. 16C depicts an example embodimentwhere an end user activity at a display adjusts the context for userpresence detection enablement and disablement. When an end user has ahigh degree of activity at an information handling system user presencedetection may remain enabled based upon the activity for a predeterminedtime even where camera context might otherwise disable user presencedetection. FIG. 16D depicts an example of camera 40 placed in cameradock 42 with the field of view at the front of the display 26. Camera 40detects the dock based upon the magnetic attraction and/or wirelesscharging to maintain the camera in an active viewing mode. An end usermay also control the activity of camera 40 by touches at the camerahousing. For example a touch in a first position can turn camera videocapture on and off, while a touch in another position may turn userpresence detection on an off. Touch inputs at camera 40 are supported bythe touch input surface as described above. FIG. 16E depicts anembodiment having camera 40 magnetically coupled to a stand 140 thatholds camera 40 over a viewing area of a desktop, such as for sharingdocuments in a videoconference. In a document sharing mode or whenattached to stand 140, user presence detection is disabled. In analternative embodiment, user presence detection may be enabled in somesituations, such as for a short time period after a screen saverpresentation at a display.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , an example system and method are depicted formanaging camera security with viewing and privacy dockingconfigurations. In the example embodiment, camera 40 is depicted in afront-facing position having a field of view of camera lens 54 directedfrom camera dock 42 towards the front side of a display panel and in arear-facing position having a rear cushion surface 64 facing outward bycamera lens 54 is blocked by a privacy back support 94 extending up fromthe curved surface of cradle 96. Around the perimeter of camera lens 54,an orientation indicator 58, ambient light sensor 150 and microphone 152are arranged. Ambient light sensor 150 detects ambient light, such asambient light brightness, color and temperature for use in adjusting theimage capture settings of the camera module. Microphone 152 capturesaudio sounds, such as to support an audiovisual image stream for camera40. Magnet 62 holds camera 40 against privacy back support 94 when frontfacing and magnets near camera lens 54 holds camera 40 against privacyback support 94 when rear facing. A second microphone 152 exposed atrear cushion surface 64 is available to record audio when camera 40 isrear facing to secure against capture of visual images.

Security logic executing on a processing resource 156 of camera 40coordinates operational status of microphones 152, camera module 52,wireless charging receiver 66 and a Hall sensor 154 to secure camera 40based upon context, including a front or rear facing orientation ofcamera 40 in dock 42. As an initial matter, a touch detection surface ofcamera 40 allows an end user to select video, audio and privacy modes ofoperation for camera 40 based upon a touch at housing 50 and/or thefront surface of camera 40 around the perimeter of camera lens 54. Forexample, a single or double tap around the perimeter of camera lens 54commands a video capture pause while a second single tap commands videocapture resumption. In an audio-only mode, microphone 152 may similarlybe commanded between pause and resume of audio capture. Having a uniquetap pattern to command pause and resume allows the security commands tobe made across the entire body of camera 40 where a touch detectionsurface is available. Alternatively, specific touch areas may be definedfor association with each command, such as an area of approximately thesize of a finger for each desired function.

An example of the security logic is depicted as a flow diagram startingat step 160 where a determination is made of whether the camera is in aviewing or privacy mode. The privacy mode may be detected by blocking oflight to the camera lens, by blocking of sound at the front microphone152, by an orientation of the wireless charging receiver 66 relative tothe wireless charger, by a Hall sensor that detects a magnet of dock 42or other indications. The viewing mode may similarly be detected bylight at camera module 52 and/or ambient light sensor 150 andorientation is dock 42 for charging or detection of a magnet by Hallsensor 154. At step 158 when the camera is in the viewing mode, thecamera module and microphone are powered on. At step 162 when the camerais in the privacy mode, the camera module and microphone at the camerafront are powered down to enhance security provided by blocking of thecamera lens. At step 164, the rear microphone may selectively be poweredup to provide capture of audio only information by camera 40. In oneexample embodiment, microphone 152 at the rear side of camera 40 ispowered off when the front side microphone is powered on. In variousembodiments, camera 40 may maintain a WiFi interface with an informationhandling system when in the privacy mode, such as by communicating astatic image or audio while the camera module and microphone are powereddown. Communicating static information maintains the WiFi connection sothat camera 40 is able to rapidly recover from the privacy state totransmit a video stream without first having to reestablish the wirelesscommunication interface.

Referring now to FIG. 18 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingcamera audio and video streams by a user tap at the camera housing. Theprocess starts at step 166 with a stream of video and/or audio from thecamera module to an information handling system, such as through awireless local area network interface. At step 168, a single tap isdetected at the camera housing to indicate a transition to a privacymode. In response, at step 170 a static image is inserted into the videostream, such as store pictured of an end user captured in the videostream or a black image that shows a blank content. The static imagemaintains a wireless interface with the camera and information handlingsystem so that a rapid recovery to transmit the video stream is providedwhen commanded. At step 172, detection of another single finger tap atthe camera housing command a resumption of the video stream at step 166.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingaudio and video pauses during movement of a camera. When an end usermoves camera 40 to different positions of a display panel, interactionsof end user grasps working against magnetic attraction can result injumpy movement patterns and disruptive sounds that may be communicatedthrough the camera video stream to other video conference participants.To minimize the impact of such movements, the camera monitors forindications of movement and responds to such indications by pausingaudio and/or video of the camera as appropriate. An indication ofmovement of a camera may come from a touch at the camera housing, ablocking of camera module or ambient light sensor light by a hand grasp,detection of accelerations at the camera, detection of an end userbreach of an infrared curtain in front of the display, and/or detectionof movement of the camera at a touch detection surface of the displaypanel. In the example embodiment, at step 174 detection of anacceleration of the camera by an accelerometer within the cameraprovides an indication of movement. In alternative embodiments wheremovement is detected external to the camera, such as with a displaypanel touch screen, the detection of movement may be communicated to thecamera or the muting of video and audio may be performed external to thecamera, such as with code on an information handling system or displaycontroller. At step 176 the microphone is muted and a static image isinserted into the video stream based upon detection of the cameramovement. As describe above, a preset static video or sound track may becommunicated from the camera to keep the wireless interface prepared forrapid transition to active audiovisual stream information. In anotheralternative embodiment, a filter may be applied to the audio captured bythe microphone that quiets the sound and filters out sounds typical withcamera movement. At step 178, context is monitored to detect acompletion of the camera movement, such as an end to detectaccelerations. In one embodiment, the camera microphone audio and cameramodule video stream may be monitored internally at the camera eventhough not communicated outside of the camera so that completion ofmovement is detected by the audiovisual information. Once motioncompletion is detected, the process continues to step 180 to resume themicrophone and video stream communication from the camera.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, examples depict displaybackplates 51 having adjacent crossbeams 182 sized to provide uniformmagnetic attraction to a camera of a defined dimension. As was describedabove with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the formation of ridges inbackplate 51 enhances the structural strength of the backplate, allowingfor a thinner and lighter ferromagnetic metal material than in a flatsurface. In order to provide a uniform magnetic attraction of the cameraacross recessed areas of the ridge construction where the distancebetween the magnet and ferromagnetic material is increased, the sizeacross the recessed areas is established to correspond with the size ofthe magnet and camera housing, such as the diameter of the cameracylindrical housing. For instance, when the full sine function of theridge construction is the diameter of the cylindrical housing, themagnetic attraction remains uniform for the camera at differentpositions of the sine function. FIG. 20A depicts an example embodimenthaving plural adjacent horizontal crossbeams 182 with the recessed areasformed to support an even distribution of magnetic attraction across thedisplay panel. FIG. 20B depicts plural adjacent vertical crossbeams 182that also provides a uniform magnetic attraction but has the beamconstruction in a vertical direction. FIG. 20C depicts a backplate 51construction having a mixture of vertical and horizonal crossbeams 182.In various embodiments, the crossbeams may extend an entire length orwidth of the backplate or only a portion of the length or width. FIG.20D depicts an example of a magnetic attraction user interface 184 thatpresents at the display panel to highlight for an end user the bestlocations for magnetic attraction of the camera. In one alternativeembodiment, these areas of preferred or enhanced magnetic attraction maybe provided by adding ferromagnetic material in a recessed area of across beam at a closer distance from the display panel.

In alternative embodiments, alternative types of user interfaces may bepresented at the display panel that cooperate with the camera housinglight guide material to enhance an end user experience. For instance, asis described above., the camera housing is manufactured from a lightguide material, such as a cast or extruded acrylic, that provides a pathfor light illuminated at the display to pass through the housing forpresentation at the front of the camera. In one example embodiment, thedisplay presents green color behind the camera when the camera is activeand capturing visual images so that the camera housing appears green;yellow behind the camera when the camera is paused so that the cameraappears yellow, and red behind the camera when the camera is stopped oroff so that the camera appears off. Green, yellow and red colors mayalternatively indicate battery charge, such as with a percent of batteryremaining shown by an amount of the cylindrical housing that isilluminated. The battery status may be further emphasized by presentingthe ring on the display around the circumference of the display housingor flashing up a small user interface box near the position of thecamera on the display without disrupting other display content.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , an example system and method are depicted formanaging camera module orientation when magnetically attracted to adisplay panel. As is described above, the cylindrical housing provides aconvenient small form factor, however the circular shape does notprovide a reference for an upright vertical orientation of camera module52. Although autoframing may be used to digitally correct an offsetorientation, it introduces a delay in video processing and detracts fromimage resolution. In the example embodiment, in addition to providing anorientation indicator 58 that provides a visual indication of an uprightvertical orientation, a gimble actuator 190 is provided to internallyrotate camera module 52 relative to housing 50 of camera 40. The exampledepicts a rack and pinion arrangement of gimble actuator 190, thatprovides a precision correction of camera module 52 vertical alignment,such as less than five degrees, after the end user achieves a roughalignment with alignment indicator 58. In an alternative embodiment,gimble actuator 190 may rotate camera module 52 a full 360 degreeswithin the camera housing.

To manage camera orientation, a processing resource 156 tracksaccelerations with an accelerometer 186 to determine an orientationrelative to gravity, tracks visual images captured by camera module 52to determine an offset from an upright vertical orientation by analysisof the visual image, presents the relative orientation with theorientation indicator 58 and commands rotation of gimble 188. Theorientation logic starts at step 192 by detecting the orientation andcontinues to step 194 to present the orientation at the orientationindicator 194, such as with different colors to indicate the amount ofoffset from upright vertical orientation. At step 196, once theorientation is within a defined accuracy, a gimble correction isperformed to help obtain a more precise upright vertical orientation,such as by establishing a exact upright vertical orientation byreference to the accelerometer or by analysis of the visual imagecaptured by the camera. At step 198, autoframing to digitally correctalignment offset may be performed as needed to obtain an uprightvertical image. As is described above, vertical alignment may allow for90, 180 and 270 degrees of alignment offset at which autoframingcorrection will have minimal processing and introduce minimaldistortion.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system comprising: aprocessor operable to execute instructions to process information; amemory interfaced with the processor and operable to store theinstructions and information; a display interfaced with the processorand operable to present the information as visual images at a displaypanel, the display panel having a ferromagnetic material disposed at arear side of the display panel; a camera having a camera module disposedin one end of a cylindrical housing to capture visual images from afield of view at a front side of the cylindrical housing; a dock coupledto the display and having a curved support surface to accept the cameracylindrical housing; and opposing magnets disposed in the cylindricalhousing and dock, the opposing magnets having opposing polarityconfigured to bias the cylindrical housing to an upright orientation. 2.The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising: awireless charger disposed under the curved support surface; and awireless charger receiver included in the cylindrical housing to alignwith the wireless charger when the cylindrical housing has an uprightorientation.
 3. The information handling system of claim 2 wherein: theopposing magnets have polarity orientation offset from the uprightorientation and defining a space between the opposing magnets for thewireless charger and wireless charging receiver.
 4. The informationhandling system of claim 3 wherein the wireless charger and wirelesscharging receiver are disposed in the space between the opposingmagnets.
 5. The information handling system of claim 2 furthercomprising: a magnet disposed in the cylindrical housing opposite thecamera module and configured to hold the cylindrical housing in positionagainst a display panel having a ferromagnetic backplate; and a privacysupport extending up from a rear side of the dock and having aferromagnetic material to bias the cylindrical housing towards the rearof the dock in the upright alignment.
 6. The information handling systemof claim 2 wherein the opposing magnets further comprise a symmetricalarrangement of plural magnets in each of the cylindrical housing anddock.
 7. The information handling system of claim 6 wherein the opposingmagnets are located at a central position of the cylindrical housing andthe dock to align the wireless charger and wireless charger receiverwhen the camera field of view is directed towards the front and towardsthe rear of the display.
 8. The information handling system of claim 2wherein the opposing magnets include a first set of opposing magnetsdisposed at a front face of the cylindrical housing proximate the cameramodule and a second set of opposing magnets disposed in a privacysupport at the rear of the dock, the first and second set of opposingmagnets having opposing polarity to bias the cylindrical housing to anupright orientation.
 9. The information handling system of claim 2further comprising an alignment indicator disposed at a front side ofthe cylindrical housing and providing an indication of uprightalignment.
 10. A method for coupling a camera to a display, the methodcomprising: coupling a dock to the display, the dock having a curvedsurface; placing a cylindrical housing of the camera on the dock curvedsurface; and biasing the cylindrical housing to an upright position withopposing polarity magnets disposed in the cylindrical housing and dock.11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: aligning a wirelesscharger of the dock and a wireless charging receiver of the cylindricalhousing when the cylindrical housing has an upright orientation; andwirelessly charging the camera from the dock.
 12. The method of claim 11further comprising: including first and second magnets of a firstpolarity in the cylindrical housing on opposite sides of the wirelesscharging receiver and offset from the upright orientation; and includingfirst and second magnets of a second polarity in the dock on oppositesides of the wireless charging receiver and offset from the uprightorientation, the first and second magnets of the first polaritycooperating with the first and second magnets of the second polarity tobias the cylindrical housing to an upright position.
 13. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the first and second magnets of the first polarity andthe first and second magnets of the second polarity bias the cylindricalhousing to the upright orientation when the cylindrical housing rests onthe dock with the camera field of view forward and the camera field ofview rearward.
 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising: includinga main magnet in the cylindrical housing at an end opposite the camerafield of view; and coupling the camera against a display panel withmagnetic attraction of the main magnet against a ferromagnetic backplateof the display panel.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:removing the camera from the display panel; and placing the camera inthe dock with the camera field of view directed at a back support of thedock that blocks capture of visual images by the camera.
 16. The methodof claim 15 further comprising: detecting alignment of the wirelesscharger and wireless charging receiver with the camera field of viewdirected at the back support; and charging a battery of the camera withwireless charging signals.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprisingmagnetically attracting the front side of the cylindrical housingagainst the back support of the dock.
 18. A camera comprising: acylindrical housing; a camera module disposed at one end of thecylindrical housing and aligned to capture visual images from a field ofview; a wireless charger receiver disposed in the cylindrical housing; adock having a curved support surface configured to hold the cylindricalhousing, the dock having a wireless charger configured to providewireless power signals to the wireless charger receiver; and first andsecond sets of opposing polarity magnets disposed in the cylindricalhousing and the dock and configured to bias the wireless charger intoalignment with the wireless charger receiver.
 19. The camera of claim 18further comprising: a privacy support extending upward from the dock;wherein the camera rests on the curved support surface and against theprivacy support both with the field of view towards and away from theprivacy support to align the wireless charger and wireless chargerreceiver.
 20. The camera of claim 18 wherein the first and second setsof opposing polarity magnets are further disposed to align the cameramodule to a vertical axis for capturing a field of view normal thedisplay.